The External Affairs division consists of two externally focused departments of Northeastern University: the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Government Relations. It works to align the University's public strategies and to promote the University's interests through messaging and programming that support Northeastern's Academic Plan and long-range goals.

The Office of Marketing and Communications actively showcases the strength of the University's teaching and research. The office is made up of a diverse staff who come from a wide range of professional backgrounds — many outside of academia.

The Government Relations team builds mutually beneficial relationships with public officials and agencies at the state and federal levels.